Low-frequency oscillations in the central cell of the TMX tandem mirror experiment

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863975· OSTI ID:6521603

Hooper, Jr, E B; Hallock, G A; Foote, J H

Two modes of low-frequency oscillations have been observed in the central cell of the tandem mirror experiment (TMX). A mode at about 7 kHz has m = 1 and probably drives radial transport at large radii. The mode identification is uncertain. A mode at about 13 kHz has m = 0. The two end plugs oscillate 180/sup 0/ out of phase with each other and in phase with the amplitude (envelope) of the ion cyclotron frequency oscillations in each plug. This mode is identified as a sound wave; the frequency is apparently locked to the E x B rotation frequency, probably through an associated m = 1 component. Neither mode severely limits confinement in the central cell, and both may be controllable. The lower-frequency mode is sensitive to the density profile and to the fueling and is not always present. The higher-frequency mode may be less important (or absent) in devices in which the plugs are stable at the plug's ion cyclotron frequencies.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6521603
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 26:1; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107 -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
700108* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Wave Phenomena
CONFINEMENT
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
MIRRORS
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
OSCILLATION MODES
PLASMA
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA INSTABILITY
SOUND WAVES
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TMX DEVICES